MORNINGTON CRUISE & TRAVEL

ANTARCTICA... THE GREAT ADVENTURE

Fully escorted group tour from your own home. Departs Sunday 28th February 2021

Helloworld Travel Mornington Cruise & Travel 63 Main Street, Mornington VIC 3931 03 5975 3355 [email protected] HELLOWORLD TRAVEL MORNINGTON CRUISE & TRAVEL’S: ANTARCTICA... THE GREAT ADVENTURE

Day 1 Sunday 28 February 2021 world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains DEPART MELBOURNE that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia We will pick you up from your home, along with your fellow group is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative members, and you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport. We will fly of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible. After our charter flight from Melbourne to via Auckland with Air New Zealand arrives in Ushuaia, we will be met at Ushuaia airport arrivals hall by (Business Class option available). our PONANT local representatives. We will enjoy a scenic group coach On arrival in Buenos Aires we will be transferred to our accommodation at transfer from Ushuaia airport for the start of our tour to the Tierra Del the Sofitel for a good night of rest before commencing our big adventure. Fuego National Park. INFLIGHT Created in 1960, the park covers 155 acres, it is located southwest of the Overnight: Sofitel Buenos Aires Tierra Del Fuego Province of the Beagle Canal. Days 2 & 3 Monday 1 & Tuesday 2 March Tierra Del Fuego National Park showcases mountainous landscapes, ARRIVE IGUAZU FALLS lagoons, bogs and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by After our flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, we will enjoy two the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains which spectacular nights at the Belmond Hotel, which overlooks the amazing represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly scenery of the falls themselves. responsible for such landscapes. Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfall system in the world, bordering both The tour will provide an opportunity to discover the local flora and Sub- and Brazil. Each side of the falls has something different to Antarctic landscapes. You may be lucky to encounter beavers, birds, wild show and we will use this two-day opportunity to explore both. On the orchids etc. This is a true paradise for Nature lovers. Brazil-Argentina border, a three kilometre stretch of riverbed vanishes In the afternoon we will be transported by coach to Ushuaia port for into a fracture in the earth. Vast and unstoppable, the Iguazu river embarkation of your Antarctica cruise. B,L,D thunders over the precipice and 275 individual waterfalls form in its place. Overnight: L’Austral for 15 nights To experience one of nature’s most powerful displays is unforgettable Days 6 & 7 Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 March at any time and having this sight to ourselves will be a truly unique experience. As the only hotel in Iguassu Falls National Park, our stay at DRAKE PASSAGE Belmond Hotel das Cataratas takes us right to the heart of adventure. Our days spent in the Drake Passage will familiarise ourselves with our We will enjoy exclusive access while the park is closed to the public, to ship and deepen our knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader venture out at dawn and capture the sunrise over the falls. B will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed Overnight: Belmond Hotel Cataratas, 2 night special stay during landings in the region and will explain everything we need to know about the Zodiac® outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Day 4 Wednesday 3 March Antarctic will be an opportunity for us to learn more about this magical IGUAZU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES region. From the ship’s bridge, we will experience exceptional sailing Today we fly back to Buenos Aires, again staying at the Sofitel . We will moments before joining the naturalist-guides on our ship’s exterior decks explore the colourful city of Buenos Aires with a city tour. After pick-up to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over from the hotel, we will head to downtown Buenos Aires, where we will see the Drake Passage. the Plaza de la República, which is a square where Obelisco de Buenos Crossing the Drake Passage: Aires can be found (Obelisk of Buenos Aires). Admire this 1936 monument Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between placed to honour the foundation of the city.Then, we will visit the Plaza de Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, this is the shortest route to Mayo, which is home to , the official office of the Argentine Antarctica. As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising president. We will have time to visit surrounding buildings including the up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Metropolitan Cathedral and city hall. Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Catch a glimpse of elegant Our tour then takes us to the south part of the city as we reach the old albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around our district of San Telmo, where we can admire its well-preserved colonial ship. architecture. We will pass Lezama Park and continue to the district of La Enjoy lectures and information sessions hosted by naturalist guides, Boca, famous for their football stadium of Boca Juniors. covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate and We will visit the famous street with its colourful buildings and environmental protection. local artists selling their work. We then drive through , Or if you prefer, indulge in the relaxation facilities, fitness and body considered the most fashionable district in Buenos Aires, passing corner. The fitness room has kinesis equipment, running machines and Libertador Avenue to reach the district of Palermo. This district is home bicycles. The Carita beauty corner offers a balneo room, and a Hamman to the largest park in the city and the zoo of Buenos Aires, the Planetarium relaxation room. B,L,D Galileo Galilei and the Plaza Italia. Days 8, 9 & 10 Monday 7, Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 March Finally we will reach Recoleta, one of the most exclusive districts in the city for its elegant shops, beautiful architecture and cafes. Our tour ends ANTARCTIC PENINSULA in the city centre where we head back to our hotel. Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical La Ventana Tango Show with Dinner (evening): Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout our adventure in this icy realm, we After hotel pick-up, we head to the district of San Telmo, considered the will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of birthplace of tango and the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. We arrive at a conventillo, a historic tenement where La Ventana takes place. Prior to the show, we will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner including a variety of Argentine and international dishes, accompanied by Argentine wines. The show will then commence as two tango orchestras and an Argentine folk music group play while talented couples dance on stage with sensuality and breath-taking precision. Listen to different styles of music played by the bands and sung by the singers. B,D Day 5 Friday 4 March PORT TRANSFER / EMBARK Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the

Helloworld Travel Mornington Cruise & Travel HELLOWORLD TRAVEL MORNINGTON CRUISE & TRAVEL’S: ANTARCTICA... THE GREAT ADVENTURE blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback disembark along Saint Andrews Bay with the assistance of our naturalist whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, guides. This bay bears a gift that is sure to enchant photographers. From fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites we the bay’s long grey-sand beach, home to abundant fur seals and elephant will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and seals, we access a vast glacial trough bordered by steep mountainsides share with them the beauty of these extreme parts. and enclosed by Ross Glacier. Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader Here, at the heart of this valley, lies the climax of our visit, the largest will suggest Zodiac® outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of colony of king penguins on the South Georgia Islands. Witness the the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain surreal visual and auditory experience entire hillsides covered with adult peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research penguins dutifully going back and forth from land to water in order to feed stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are their young. the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a The Grytviken stopover is a highlight of South Georgia Island. This former hushed and surreal atmosphere. We will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Whaling station, now a ghost town, is set against a serene backdrop Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic of ochre-coloured earth. Vestiges of the whaling industry are still very explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and much present, particularly old whale bones and remnants of shipwrecks. uninhabited lands. Grytviken’s other historical point of interest is the grave of famous For these three days we will be exploring the scenic Antarctic Peninsula. adventurer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Take advantage of the many opportunities offered on a Zodiac excursion, Majestic glaciers, waterfalls that reflect the rays of the setting sun, pitch- one of which allows us to get up close and personal with icebergs and black volcanic sand beaches: these are just a few of the wonders to be see a towering glacier on the way to stop near a penguin colony in Neko found in Gold Harbour’s landscape. This natural gem is blanketed by bright Harbour. Animals are as abundant as they are exotic: among others, green tussocks and framed by snow-capped peaks. you’ll encounter seabirds (gulls, Cape petrels, cormorants) and marine Fur seals, elephant seals and king penguins move about the island mammals (seals, orcas and other whale species). like tiny black dots along the landscape. Those humans who enter this Located at the end of the famed Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island kaleidoscope of colours and sensations do so as privileged and tolerated played a key role in the history of Antarctic exploration. We will learn observers of the austral wildlife. B,L,D about the history of the area, once a mystery to the world. Today, the Days 16, 17, 18 & 19 Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 & Friday island is a privileged refuge for a rich and diverse fauna: numerous Gentoo 18 March penguins, chinstrap penguins, imperial shags and other bird species settle here. RELAX AT SEA Wilhelmina Bay is a quiet, protected bay named in honour of the Dutch Back at sea, we savour our last few days on board the L’ Austral. You will queen, Wilhelmina of Orange-Nassau. In this enchanting place, towering have time to treat yourself to a spa treatment or have conversations with mountains reflect off of still waters, offering up a magnificent and all of the on board experts. There will be on board entertainment and colourful feast for the eyes. Yet another source of wonder: humpback activities available. B,L,D whales, majestic and frequent visitors to the bay, feed in the surrounding Day 20 Saturday 19 March waters amidst a stunning seascape of ice floes and icebergs.B,L,D DISEMBARK / RETURN FLIGHT TO MELBOURNE Days 11 & 12 Thursday 10 & Friday 11 March Today marks the end of our magnificent journey on L’ Austral, when RELAX AT SEA we arrive at Montevideo, Uruguay. After disembarking , we will enjoy a During our time at sea, we can enjoy the many services and activities on sightseeing tour of Montevideo, witnessing all the main attractions. We board our luxurious ship. There will time to relax, enjoy the conferences, or will visit several coastal barrios, stroll the Rambla of Montevideo and view for lovers of the open sea, there is an opportunity to visit the ship’s upper historic landmarks in the capital such as Independence Plaza, Constitution deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough Square and Parliament Palace. Along the way, we will learn about to observe marine species. B,L,D Montevideo’s history, architecture and culture, and visit the lovely coastal neighbourhoods of El Prado and Carrasco. We will walk along the beautiful Days 13, 14 & 15 Saturday 12, Sunday 13 & Monday 14 March beachside promenade in the Old City and delight in coastal views. We SOUTH GEORGIA finish the tour with a visit to a local vineyard and a tasting of Uruguay’s Aboard our ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an award winning tannat wine. On conclusion we will be transferred to underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic the airport with the group, ready to check-in for our flights home. We Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and will be flying from Montevideo, via Buenos Aires and Auckland, back to Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals. You might get the chance Melbourne. On arrival you will be met and transferred by private bus, and to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of dropped back to your home. B, INFLIGHT Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which Meal key: B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there. South Georgia is one of the most anticipated portions of this cruise. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. Salisbury Plain is home to one of the most unforgettable natural vistas of South Georgia. Formed by the retreat of Grace Glacier, the same majestic peaks that once awed Shackleton still tower over the surrounding land. At the heart of this wild refuge, on the beaches of the bay, lies a colony of 300,000 king penguins. Amidst this sea of black and orange heads, fur seals and their young can be spotted nosing their way through the crowd. Situated at the foot of sharply-rising mountains, Fortuna Bay is a truly dazzling vision to behold. We will marvel at a panorama of cliffs rising up from the icy waters and small streams fed by melting mountain snow meandering through vast green plains. During our excursion, we follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton or even encounter the 50,000 king penguin couples who call the island their home and whose densely-packed silhouettes form a remarkable silver swath with a sprinkling of brown and bright orange. Facing out towards the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, we will safely

03 5975 3355 [email protected] HELLOWORLD TRAVEL MORNINGTON CRUISE & TRAVEL’S: ANTARCTICA... THE GREAT ADVENTURE

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS: • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac®inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides • Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist-guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection • Hiking opportunity • Landscapes: drifting icebergs, ice floe, glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the Antarctic Peninsula; alpine landscapes, lush green plains and suspended glaciers in South Georgia • Wildlife: humpback whales, Gentoo penguins, Adelie penguins, chinstrap penguins, leopard seals, crabeater seals and Weddell seals in the Antarctic Peninsula; king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals and macaroni penguins in South Georgia • Educational discovery in the respect of environment TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: • Visit the Argentina and Brazil side of the magnificent Iguazu Falls (only if taking the full package) • Stay at the stunning Belmond Iguazu, Right next to door to the Falls (as above) • Buenos Aires Tango dinner • Half day tour of Buenos Aires • Excursion to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park • Six hour tour of Montevideo with winery visit

TOUR INCLUSIONS: • Fully escorted from your home • Return economy class airfares Melbourne to Buenos Aires • Airport transfers • Day tours as listed • 2 nights accommodation Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similar) Cruise: • Accommodation • All meals including 24 hour room service (selected menu) • Open bar including French champagne, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails (Premium beverages additional) • Unlimited Wi-Fi • Zodiac excursions and landings • Guided activities led by professional Expedition team • Entertainment and lectures • Free parka to keep • Complimentary boot rental Iguaza Falls option: • Return economy class airfares from Buenos Aires to Iguaza Falls • Airport transfers • 2 nights accommodation • Special Tango dinner in Buenos Aires

PRICING OPTIONS: ENTIRE PACKAGE AS PER ITINERARY: $20,430* per person Deluxe Stateroom guaranteed $21,950* per person Prestige Stateroom deck 4 PACKAGE MINUS IGUAZU FALLS^: $18,430* per person Deluxe Stateroom guaranteed $19,950* per person Prestige Stateroom deck 4

CRUISE ONLY~: $14,430* per person Deluxe Stateroom guaranteed $15,950* per person Prestige Stateroom deck

Booking Conditions *Tour Price: Tour price is per person based on twin share, in $3,000 per person April 2020 (for package including flights only) Cancellation & amendment fees: Cancellation must be in staterooms as listed above on board the cruise. Tour and cabin Final Payment 1 October 2020 writing & such notice is not effective until received by Helloworld category is subject to availability at the time of booking. Single It is the sole responsibility of the traveller to ensure this payment Travel Mornington Cruise & Travel. All bookings are subject supplement price on application and subject to availability. is made by this date. Payment can be made by credit card, to cancellation fees unless otherwise stated at the time of ^ Departs Melbourne on the 2nd March 2021. Airport transfer EFTPOS, cash, cheque or direct deposit. If payment is made by confirmation. Ask your travel consultant for cancellation charges. from your home, however the departure transfer is not escorted. credit card a surcharge will apply. Hotel check in: Hotel checkin times for groups are generally All other inclusion as per itinerary apart from days 2 & 3 Iguazu 4:00pm. At times the group will be arriving earlier than this time Falls. ~ Cruise only from Ushuaia to Montevideo. Includes all Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance in compulsory when traveling on our escorted journeys. at the various hotels. On these occasions the luggage will be cruise highlights and inclusions, one night Buenos Aires, flight stored at the hotel until the rooms are ready. from Buenos Aires. No other part of the itinerary is included in Tour Fare does NOT include: • Items such as (and not limited to) • the option. Excursion to Tierra Del Fuego National park in Ushuaia Visa & passport fees • Travel insurance *Prices and information are correct at time of issue and and half day tour of Montevideo with airport transfers are not • Meals & beverages other than those listed in the itinerary • subject to availability and change at time of booking. Prices included in this price, but can be purchased at an extra cost. Items of a personal nature (laundry, mini bar etc.) • Airfares & may fluctuate due to changes in charges, taxes and currency. Prices do not include taxes or charges collected directly by third Security Deposit, Final Payment & Payment Options: airport transfers if not arriving & departing with the group • Rooms outside normal check in/check out times • Anything not parties. Valid for sale until sold out. Valid for travel on departure Payments are required as follows (ALL ARE NON- specifically mentioned in the inclusions listed in this document date shown. Further conditions may apply, ask in store for full REFUNDABLE): details. Travel wholesaler & Helloworld Travel booking terms & $2,000 per person within 7 days of booking Itinerary: The tour itinerary, including hotels, is subject to change conditions apply. See in store for full details. Robyn Lee Travel $5,000 per person January 2020 at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Weather is out of Pty Ltd (ABN 41 136 700 340) trading as helloworld Mornington $5,000 per person March 2020 our control & cannot be guaranteed. Cruise & Travel.

Helloworld Travel Mornington Cruise & Travel 63 Main Street, Mornington VIC 3931 03 5975 3355 [email protected]